Cushion assembly with auxiliary reinforcing spring



W. A. CLARK Sept. 18, 1951 CUSHION ASSEMBLY WITH AUXILIARY REINFORCING SPRING 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 5, 1948 INVENTOR. Wfl/am (Var/f @Ve Sept. 18, 1951 w. A. CLARK 2,568,055

CUSHION ASSEMBLY WITH AUXILIARY REINFORCING SPRING 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 5, 1948 INVENTOR.

Sept. 18, 1951 w. A. CLARK 2,568,055

CUSHION ASSEMBLY WITH AUXILIARY REINFORCING SPRING IN V EN TOR.

M ww 9. J/W/r W. A. CLARK Sept. 18, 1951 CUSHION ASSEMBLY WITH AUXILIARY REINFORClNG SPRING 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 5. 1948 INVENTOR.

EQ ww/ Sept. 18, 1951 w. A. CLARK 2,568,055

CUSHION ASSEMBLY WITH AUXILIARY REINFORCING SPRING Filed Jan. 5, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

CLARK Sept CUSHION ASSEMBLY WITH AUXILIARY REINFORCING SPRING 9 Shets-Sheet 6 Filed Jan. 5 1948 mllun zz/ zz X T W: fi w W w 0 kW E I 0/ z W. A. CLARK Sept. 18, 1951 CUSHION ASSEMBLY WITH AUXILIARY REINFORCING SPRING Filed Jan. 5, 1948 9 SheetsSheet '7 M All"? W AII/YW/ 4 a M W v o V W. W A z a !7 ll W. A. CLARK Sept. 18, 1951 CUSHION ASSEMBLY WITH AUXILIARI REINFORCING SPRING 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Jan. 5, 1948 Sept. 18, 1951 I w. A. CLARK 2,568,055

CUSHION ASSEMBLY WITH AUXILIARY REINFORCING SPRING.

Filed Jan. 5, 1948 9 SheetsSheet Patented Sept. 18, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CUSHlON SSEMB WITH AUXILIARY "BEINFQRCINGfiRBING William A. Clark, Detroit, Mich, assignor to L. A. Young- Spring. & Wire Company, Detroit, Mich.

vmillil trestie u a v 1;: 8,.:-Ser ial1No-508 7 Claims.

..iie to neet the ne dser r qui ments o pe sons above av ra e Wei ht .o re uiring a les v elclihs upp rt for any reason.

S cond, t provide a spr ng as e bly having thes van a es into whi h au ilia r unpl m ntal sprin s b introduce lmouh ed at the desired 10 ation aiter the upholstery has been applied wit ut disassembly of the same and without. n ury t heuhh ls y.

Ihird, torprovideastrueture, havin these vanta e in whi h re atively o or y i s r n sunportsmav be sunp m t dhy th ttxoduetion .o auxiliary spr ng elements positinned-to, meet the ,reguirements of the particular customer or user without the n e t o u has the trueturetothe fac ory and ho t the an oft a skilled upholsterer.

' v,r'burth, to provide aspring cushion structure embod n hese ad ntage an permitting adaptation o embodiment in. spring structu es mad up .of spri elem n s .o d f ent types, such as sosoalled conventional helically coiled -Sprin elem nt o pocke ed prin le s,-

Fifth, to provide aflspring structure having these advantages which ,may be economically produced and at the same time has the desired str n t e e igid y fiixth, to provide a spring structure in which the main spring elements are uniform in characterand in strength, and maybe relatively-yieldablerto meet the requirementsof light weight persons jor one portionlof the structure and providedwith auxiliary springs to meet the requirements of a heavier person or a light weight person thereby providing a spring cushion structure o e o t o o which ay be yie din -t be suitable for a light weight person and another portion relatively less yielding to be suitable fora heavier'person.

Seventh, to provide a spring cushion back structure which may be readily adapted-for the needs of the user, one portion-thereof such for instance as the shoulder supporting portion being suitably yielding, andthe portion supportingthe small of ,the back n ade less yielding to effectively support the back'of the user.

Ei hth to provide. as in st u tu wh ch can be rest red tonr ginal conto s f e it has eome distort d as a .resu tlof u .'.l linth, to Provi e a spr n r ctu e which may be djus ed o adapte tn th eds of a short person above average weight tosupport him in pos tien for proper vision om an omo le- Other objects andadvantages relating to det ils and economie o my i e t n .Wi11 f nitely appear from the description to follow, The invention is defined in theeclaims.

A structure which embodies the features of the invention, is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

' Fig. 1 is an end elevational view of a motor vehicleseat,cushionand back embody nsmy invention, parts being broken away to show struc- Vtural details, fragments of an automobile being indicated by dotted-lines, and an occupant being indicated to :showthe relation of the parts.

Fig. 2 is a conventional end elevation of a seat cushion, the dotted lines A illustrate-the approximate line of deflection for a person of normal height and weight without auxiliary springs ora normal heightheavy weight with the auxiliary springs, the line B indicating a cushionadapted to support a short lightweight person without auxiliary springs or a "short heavy weight with auxiliary springs, and line CC a cushion in which the upholstery-has been deformed'byuse and which it may be desired to'supp'ort in origina position.

Fig. 3 is an inverted or bottom view of a'seat cushion embodying my invention, the main springs being ofthe pocketed type. The structure illustrated is equipped with four auxiliary orsupvpler'nental-springs. I

Fig. 3A is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view ofthe righthand portionvof Fig. 3, them)- holstery being partially broken away and with portions of the main body and auxiliary springs in section to illustrate the relationship of the am:-

;iliaryor supplemental springs to other partsof x i Fig. 19 is anenlarged fragmentary view In thev accompanying drawing tion on a line corresponding to line ll-|I of r Fig. 10 illustrating the auxiliary or supplemental springs in their relation to the conventional helical springs of Fig. 10. H

Fig. 12 is a fragmentarybottom view of still another embodiment or adaptation of my invention in which the main springs are partially of the helical type and partially of the, pocketed type, the structure being equipped with supplemental springs.

Fig. 13 is an inverted view of a modified form or embodiment of my invention which lacks some of the advantages of the preferred embodiment as shown in Fig. 3 but having other advantages primarily in the matter of rim structure and attachment of the upholstery.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view mainly in vertical section on line I l-l4 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary vertical section on a line corresponding to line 15-45 of Fig. 8 illustrating the relation of one of the main body springs to the bottom bars 8. r

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary view partially in section of the parts shown inFig. 15 with the spring compressed or partially compressed further illustrating the supporting relation of the bars 8 to the springs. Fig. 17 is an end elevational view partially broken away and partially in section illustrating the cooperating relationof the auxiliary springs .to the upholstery which has beenrestored by the introduction of the auxiliary springs after .it had been'displaced by use.

Fig. 18 is' a fragmentary plan view of another embodiment of the invention in-which conventional cone type springs are employed, connected at their tops by cross tie members.

in section on line l9-l9 of Fig. 18. i

represents an automobile provided with a seat cushion designated generally by the numeral 2 and a back .cushion designated generallyby the numeral 3.

'person, although his vision may be less disturbed.

It is also a matter of common knowledge that "extensively used cushions sag on displacement of the upholstery padding material thereby lowering the position of the occupant so that his vision is not the same as from the original seat and "rendering the cushion uncomfortable.

Attempts have been made to remedy these conditions bym'aking cushions with a double set of springs, or double-deck springs as they are sometimes called, having alight top topper portion and a heavier bottom portion. Such springs were expensive and usually resulted in a high spring, whereas, the present requirements. are for rela- 4 tively low spring cushions with the desired resilience.

By my invention I am able to meet all of these conditions or requirements in a highly satisfactory and economical manner, permitting the manufacture of spring structures according to specifications and the adaptation thereof to meet varying conditions as -I have pointed out.

Referring now to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 3 to 9, inclusive, the structure there illustrated comprises a base rim 4 of the tacking insert type, the rim being generally of downwardly facing channel section having a tacking insert 5 to which the upholstery 6, designated by dotted lines in Fig. 6, is secured. This rim has an inwardly projecting flange 1 to which the longitudinal supporting bars 8 in the form of heavy wire or light rod of suitable gauge are secured by means of the welds as indicated at Bl in Fig. 4. Supplemental longitudinal bars 9 are disposed parallel to the bars 8, primarily providing proper anchorage and support although they serve as base or foundation elements. The transverse rods or wires [0 are arranged in spaced relation above the rods 8 and 9 and welded thereto at the crossing points as indicated at l l in Fig. 5. The ends of the cross rods [0 are secured to the flanges T of the border frame. This provides a rigid grid-like supporting structure for the springs which in the embodiment illustrated are of the pocketed type, the springs l2 being of the socalled cylindrical type arranged in pockets [3. The pockets of the rows of springs are connected at M. In this embodiment the end coils l5 of the springs 12 are enlarged as compared to the body coils; this supports the pockets so that they do not rub or become interlocked with the intermediate coils of the springs.

These strips of pocketed springs are arranged longitudinally of the structure, the front and rear rows or strips of springs being arranged to overlap the front and rear portions of the bottom frame. The innersides of these front and rear rows are secured to the adjacent longitudinal rods 9. The longitudinal rods 8 are arranged centrally below the intermediate rows and the rear row of pocketed springs. Certain of the longitudinal rods 9 are arranged so that the bottom coils of the springs may be secured thereto by the clips l6, commonly designated hog rings." These wire clips are of such dimensions as to be clamped around the rods 9 and the bottom coils of the springs through the pockets. The springs are also secured to the transverse rods H) by means of clips I6. It will be noted that the springs are so arranged that they are directly supported by the longitudinal rods or bars 8, the front and rear rows of springs being additionally supported by the frame as shown in Fig. 6. This arrangement of the base bars in which the springs are mounted directly above the bars 8 substantially minimizes in material and at the same time, the springs are effectively supported. In this connection attention is directed to Figs. 8 and 15 and 16. Fig. 15 is a view illustrating the relation of the bottom coils to the bars 8 when the springs are not under compression or under load. When under compression or load the coils of the springs are collapsed as shown in Fig. 16 but the bars prevent the coils of the springs passing through the bottom frame, that is, the smaller coils are supported by the bars 8 and cannot pass through the bottom of the cushion. The intermediate coils of the spring I2 are designated by the numeral I5| and it will be noted that in Fig. 16 the intermediate coilisncollapsed upon the od 79 that the rod tnotzop vsupports* hesouter soil which is normally a larger than the ,iintenmedia coils but also the a-intermediateecoils. "This rte- Lsults a safer spring ,andalso -.enah;lesat1le use of -'a smaller diameter coil spr ng Wire z g'i'lil'l ifl softer initial feel yet ssupporti'ng zas mnc load as asheavier spring in which theilntetmediflte coils arenot supported: aszby therrods or bars 8 "so that there is a double :advanta eaof zena'hlin Ithe use 10f 1ess.:stoek .-in .theasprings ems-Well a in'the basestructure. r f

Thet p borderzframe l 1 comprises spacedzinner "outer frameimembers :18 and .Itconnected at :Spacedintervals by struts :20, this bein can adaptation of'cthe Asaro .I-Yatent .'I0. 336,915, :g-ranted December :14, 194:3. 1111 is quite essential that the top:frame.be braced sto prevent sw r ng :and'tiltlng .of themai-n' body springs, and i end "I provide braces 12'] iwhilcheare :secured to pertain Of the struts .122 .by means of rten ues .132 l :Iormed integrallyitheIBWith. {the upper ends DI "the braces haves-laterally ofisetarmsgzs engaged byzthese tongues 1:221. The lower ends of th bracesare provided :with spiral polls 22.4 which are engaged with longitudinal members and with cross members at their icrosslngpointsas shown Fig.3. 'Ihe upholstery-.6 gconsists .oftafiuitablepadding ":25 arranged on aisnpporti-ngshegt 4' preferably :reinforced ibyta' plurality 10f zresilient wirestrands "and covered "by'ithe .coveringtil which is secured to the bottom :border-frame byrmeans of "tacks partsis part of thy-invention ra d isiimp tant.

:both in the effective supportingofthespripgsand the bracing. The structure is very econcmiqal. both in material used and in assemblywhene n- :sideredinrelation to tned sirabil tyef thefi ished :product. .As pointed .out,:.spring gcushions 'ofth-is character: areof necessity desienedtopro- :vide suitable support forthe average'sized person. it is not icommerciallypractical to;.provide .com- "-plete spring structures "which would be most suitable for persons'of certain weightor height. .By .rny invention I am able toadapt the structuretp accommodate and effectively support -persons;c1 weight above and below the contemplated average, hothtallzand short and to repairworn .or

sunken cushions without removing .theupholstery,

the structure being such that the automobile dealer, if supplied withltheproper parts, can arrange them to meet the requirements.ofithe par- .ticular customer .or user .01 can repair a su nken cushion. jg"

I. accomplish this by providing auxilia iyjspring units 28 preferably consisting of a cylindrical coiled sp'ring'29 encased in a; pocket 30. Thebottom "structure which "I have described has "the parts arrangedso that these spring units-can be collapsed as shown at3l inFig. Band passedbe- "tween adj acentilongitudina'l and transverse bottom bars, one step of the method"beingiillustrated in Fig. 8. After'theunit 28 is passed between the bottom memberszit is-turned horizontallyan'd released, and manipulated'to proper position *be- "t6 tween sprin s cfadiacent rows 1 as-shownrin where there are four of the auxiliary springs. Th seauxiliary sprin ar t en positionedab v supportin bars. desirably b th tran verse and lon itudinal, and are in the pr erred embed-i Inentsecured o adj nt m in dy sp nje y meansof clip .32. In Fi 3 each of thea-uxlhary or supplem ntal sp in s is secured by four clips but the main load on the a x liary spr n is ustallied y h uppor in rid. h au il ary sprin hu arran ed are u ported in upri ht position-between adjacent m in sprin Whilp I have illustrated in Fig. 3 only four of the auxiliary spr n s. it will be unde st d thatanycd sired number can'be used a d tha th y lo n-be posi ioned, ei her n he driv rs sidaon the Other side, or as desired.

in theevent the-cushion has sagged,'fro;n the displacement of the padding as indicated {by d tted line CC in 2, uxiliar Q1 upplemental springs 28! may be inserted to lift this distorted portion 25! to approximately its initial position. (See Fig. 17;) This is particularly advantageous where the inner covering 526 isa wire reinforced mat such as indicated in Fig. 3A. These auxiliary springs 28| are of such-length as to perform this function. Further, where the auxiliary springs are designed to adapt the cushion to a normal height, heavy weight person the auxiliary springs are of such character as to sup:-

port him-on the line A-A of Fig.2, andfora short heavy weight person the auxiliary springs are of such heightandtension as to support the -'occupant on the line B'B of Fig. 2. The structure isthe same for all of these conditions other thanforthe matter of length and :tensionof the Eborder frame 33 is'provided, and the border body springs 34 are secured thereto by clips 35. The cross bars 36 areprovided'with laterally turned "ends 31 secured'tothe border frame by=clipss38. :The spring supporting U-shaped bars '38 are clamped upon the bottom coils of adjacent springs. "tionaL-and-they are arranged to permit auxiliary spring units 28 to be passed through the bottom These U-shaped bars 39 are :conven- -=fra-me and arranged to be supported by spring -offset as shown in Fig. 11. especially designed for use as the frontseat an automobile and the offset provides a toe recess 42, see Fig. ll. row of springs l34shouldbe shorter than the other springs and:consequently itzmay be'imporinsert the'rear auxiliary springs. V iu it' migh-t be 1 desirable-to extend these springs rensupporting bars thereof as shown in Figs. 10 and 11. The auxiliary or supplemental springs are However, the load on the the supports on which they arearranged. The

top border frame H is the same as that previous- =lyzdescribed, the braces it-being .secur-ed at their :inner ends to'certain of the bars 39 by clamping .within'the channels thereof. They aresecured at. their upper ends by the tongues :22! on the struts 22. V

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 10 and 1.11 the rear portion 41 of the-base frame is upwardly This structure .is

This necessitates that the rear 'tant even "as the seat is initially .constructe'dtto In that :case

spaced pairs. by the cross bottom bars 46 forming a supporttirel'y across the seatstructure; I have illustrated o'nly a pair of them. When using this type of springs they are desirably connected at their upper ends by the cross helicals 43 and the auxiliary springs are positioned directly under these cross helicals, thereby providing an effective support for the mat 26 arranged on top of the springs. While the helical tie members are resilient, the wire reinforced mat receives the thrust through the helical tie members and distributes over a substantial area while permitting the upholstery to yield.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in Fig. 12 I provide a structure in which the front rows of springs are of the conventional coiled type, whereas, the rear rows of springs I3 are of the pocketed type. This structure is pro- 'vided with the tacking insert type of bottom border frame having longitudinal bars 8 and 9 secured thereto. The bars 8 are directly under "the rows of springs and ths bars 9 are positioned 'to receive the clips l6 by which the springs are secured in position against shifting. The two front rows of springs 34 are supported by the channel-shaped cross members 39, the front border springs also resting upon the front member of the base frame. The supplemental or auxiliary spring units 28 are inserted through the bottom and disposed upon the frame longitudinal and cross members and secured in position between adjacent main body springs by the clips '32. The helical body springs 34 are secured to the cross bottom members I!) by means of clips I6. The braces are not illustrated in Fig. 12.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14 the border frame 44 is of inwardly facing U section as best shown in Fig. 14 and has longitudinal supporting bars 45 secured thereto in These bars are further supported ing grid, the ends of the bars being clamped 'within the U border frame and also welded 'therein.

To facilitate the attachment of the upholstery, upholstery securing rods 4! and 48 are arranged in spaced relation to the border frame. These rods are adapted to be engaged by the hooks 50 secured tothe edge of the upholstery covering The'main body springs designated generally by the numeral 52 are of the pocketed strip assembly type and are secured in rows by the clips [6 in supported relation to the bottom grid. The

members of this bottom grid are spaced to permit the insertion of the auxiliary spring unit 28 when they are collapsed and presented thereto as shown in Fig. 8, the auxiliary springs being turned 'and supported between adjacent main body springs by clips as indicated at l6. It will be 'noted that the clips [6 attaching the springs flto'the longitudinal grid wires are arranged in pairs, one on either side of the cross strips 46.

omitted as the auxiliary springs will be effectively supported by the' underlying face portions and the adjacent" main body springs.

The structure shown in Fig. 14 is of the type having the upwardly offset rear portion to provide toe roomas previously explained, and the auxiliary springs adjacent the rear thereof perform an important function of supplementing the short rear springs. In this embodiment the braces 2| are provided with laterally turned ends 23 which are secured to the top border frame as has been described. However, the lower ends of these springs terminate in spiral coils 54 which are engaged with double offsets 55 in certain of the longitudinal members of the base frame. In the preferred embodiment the spiral terminals of the braces are engaged with certain of the longitudinal base members 9 and transverse base members I 0 at their crossing point as is best illustrated in Fig. '7. It will be noted that the spiral end portions-24 of the braces 2| are disposed at one side of the brace while the terminal arms 23, engaged bythe tongues 22f, are disposed in the opposite direction. This results in a bracing action, the spiral atone end bracing in one direction while the arms 23 brace in the opposite direction. The frame member clips or trusses 20 are secured against longitudinal movement onthe border frame members by the indentations 56 which prevent longitudinal movement of the struts 22 relative to the inner and outer border members l8 and [9. This provides a very rigid top bordr frame, that is, it resists edgewise thrust but at the same time is comparatively light in weight and is supported for vertical movement by the spring assemblies described.

In the preferred embodiment as best shown in Fig. 3A the inner top border member l8 has diagonal corner portions 51 which serve as braces stiffening the frame at the corners where it is subject to considerable stress. This type of top border frame, which strongly resists inward collapsing, is particularly desirable in that it also permits the use of a minimum of braces which,

as stated, are primarilyfdesig'ned to prevent swaying movement of the top portion of the cushion structure relative to the base.

'In the embodiment of my invention shown in Figs. 18 and 19 the main body springs 58 are" of the conical type as distinguished from the hourglass type shown in Figs. 10 and 11, for example.

These conical springs are arranged with their small ends downward, their upper ends being connected by the cross helicals 43. The auxiliary or supplemental springs 282 are of the conical type with their small ends arranged upwardly.

They are provided with fabric casings or pockets as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9. In this supplemental springs to the main body springs is clearly illustrated.

In all of these embodiments I preferably employ. the wire reinforced upholstery supporting mat best shown in Fig. 3A. This mat is conventionally shown in most of the embodiments but it :should be understood that it is an important fac- 76- tor, in that it providesaneifective upholstery ated' with seat" cushions having my invention embodied therein: This enables the back cushion to be adapted toproperly support the back of the user, ordinarily the-small of the back being the part which should have'additional spring resistance. This not only readily adapts the structure to accommodate persons of various weights and. heights,. but results in furthering proper posture of the user which is particularly desirable where used for considerable periods and is of course, desirable for even short periods of use.

I have illustrated these several embodiments or adaptations of my invention to. enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention as may be required. for particular conditions.

Having, thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent'isi 1. The method of increasing the supporting capacity of a preformed cushion structure or the like, comprising a spring supporting base including spaced spring supporting bars, spaced symmetrically disposed main springs supported onsaid base and'securedthereto, an outer flexible cover disposed on said main springs and bridging the space between them, the method comprising introducing into a space between main body springs at least one auxiliary spring by collapsing said auxiliary spring and inserting the same sidewise between adjacent supporting bars into said space, then turning the spring and releasing the same to permit it to expand from the spring supporting base to the cover, and securing said auxiliary spring to said base.

2. A cushion or the like adaptable for varying service requirements, comprising a preformed spring structure built according to predetermined specifications to satisfy anticipated load conditions and including a base having spaced apart bars, a covering arranged over said spring structure, said spring structure including a plurality of main coil springs extending to said covering and supported on said base and so arranged as to leave a plurality of symmetrically disposed spaces extending from said base to said covering, each space being defined by a number of said springs and the distance across each space from one spring to the one diametrically opposite the same being equal to the diameter of each coil spring, and at least one auxiliary spring, each such spring being disposed in one of said spaces and extending from said baseto said covering, each auxiliary spring having been introduced into the cushion structure subsequent to the completion thereof according to said predetermined specifications by passing the auxiliary spring sidewise between two of the base bars and into said space to be occupied thereby while in collapsed condition and prior to permitting expansion of the spring to fill said space.

A cushion or the like adaptable for varying service requirements, comprising a preformed spring stducture built to satisfy predetermined load conditions and including a base having spaced apart bars, a covering arranged over said spring structure, said spring structure including a plurality of main coil springs supported on said base and so arranged as to leave a plurality of symmetrically disposed spaces extending from said base to, said covering, each spacebeing defined by a number ofsaid springs, and at least one auxiliary spring, each-such: spring being. disposed in at least one of saidspaces andextending from said base to said covering, .said auxiliary spring having been introduced into the cushion structure subsequent'to the completion thereof according to predetermined specificationsv by passing the auxiliary spring sidewise. between two of the base bars and into-said space to be occupied thereby while inv collapsed condition. and prior to permitting expansion of. the spring to fill said space. V

4. A cushion or thelike. adaptable for various service. requirements comprising a preformed spring structurebuilt. to meet. anticipated load conditions. and includin'g. a. base having spaced apart bars, a covering, arranged. over said. spring structure and including, an. upholstery support ing mat comprising a'fiexible sheet. ofmaterial having a plurality of resilient reinforcing wires incorporated therein, said. spring structure including a plurality of main coil .springsjsupportingly coacting with the said mat with the reinforcing wiresextending across the tops of the springs and bridging the spaces between them, said main body springs being arranged on the base so as to leave a' plurality of. symmetrically disposed spaces extending from the base to said mat, said mat bridging the said spaces, each space being defined bya plurality of body springs, and at least oneauxiliaryspring, each such auxil iary spring being disposed in one of the spaces defind by the body springs and extending from said base to and in supporting relation to said mat, each auxiliary spring having been introduced into the cushion structure by passing the auxiliary spring sidewise between adjacent bars and into the space occupied thereby while in collapsed condition permitting expansion of the auxiliary spring into the space to which it is so introduced.

5. A cushion or the like adaptable for various service requirements comprising a preformed spring structure built to meet anticipated load conditions and including a base having spaced apart bars, a covering arranged over said spring structure, said spring structure including a plurality of pocketed main coil springs, said main body springs being arranged on the base so as to leave a plurality of symmetrically disposed spaces extending from the base to said mat, each space being defined by a plurality of body springs, and at least one pocketed auxiliary spring, each such auxiliary spring being disposed in one of the spaces defined by the body springs and extending from said base to each auxiliary spring sidewise between adjacent bars and into the space occupied thereby while in collapsed condition permitting expansion of the auxiliary spring into the space to which it is so introduced, the bottom coil of the auxiliary spring being connected to the bottom coils of the adjacent body springs defining the space in which the auxiliary coil is positioned.

6. A cushion or the like adaptable for various service requirements comprising a preformed spring structure built to meet anticipated load conditions and including a base having spaced apart bars, a covering arranged over said spring structure, said spring structure including a. plurality of main coil springs and resilient connections for the top coils thereof, said body springs and resilient connections supportingly coacting with the covering, said main body springs being arranged on the "baseso-as to leave a plurality of spaces belowsaid "resilient top coil connections and extendingfrom the base to said covering, each space-being-defined by a plurality of body springs, and at least one auxiliary spring enclosed in a pocket, each auxiliary spring being disposed in one of the spaces defined by the body springs and extending from the base to and in supporting relation to said resilient top coil connections, each auxiliary spring having been introduced into the cushion structure by passing the auxiliary spring sidewise between adjacent bars and into the space occupied thereby while in collapsed condition permitting expansion of the auxiliary spring into the space to which it is so introduced, the bottom coil of the auxiliary spring being in supported relation to the base and being connected to the bottom coil of at least one adjacent body spring.

7. A cushion or the like adaptable for various service requirements comprising a preformed spring structure built to meet anticipated load conditions and including a base having spaced apart'bars, a covering arranged over said spring structure, said spring structure including a plurality of main coil springs supportingly coacting with the covering, said main body springs being arranged on the base so as to leave a plurality of spaces extending from the base to said covering,'each space being defined by a plurality of body springs, and at least one auxiliary spring enclosed in a pocket, each auxiliary spring being disposed in one of the spaces defined by the body springs and extending from the base to and in supporting relation to said covering, each auxiliary spring having been introduced into the cushion structure by passing the auxiliary spring sidewise between adjacent bars and into the space occupied thereby while in collapsed condition permitting expansion of the auxiliary spring into the space to which it is so introduced, the bottom coil of the auxiliary spring being i supported relation to the base.

WILLIAM A. CLARK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record inthe file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

